Vaporizer for carburetion systems



Aug. 23, W49 R. I... M DONNELL VAPORIZER FOR CARBURETION SYSTEMS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 21. 1946 VAPORIZER FOR CARBURETION SYSTEMS Filed Oct. 21. 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet w Q ,M JJJJlllllllkLm, frrffllll- Mull);

Patented Aug. 23, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,479,852 VAPORIZER FOR CARBURETION SYSTEMS Randall L. McDonnell, New Orleans, La.

Application October 21, 194.6, Serial No. 704,734

9 Claims. 1

This invention relates to an article of manufacture for improving the degree of vaporization of a mixture of liquid fuel and air delivered by a carburetion system to a gasoline engine and has particular relation to a vaporizing unit for attachment between a carburetor discharge port and an intake manifold port.

.An object of the present invention is to provide a vaporizing unit which will improve the degree of vaporization of the fuel mixture during its passage from the carburetor to the intake manifold. Another object of the invention is to provide a vaporizing unit having a capillary porous element of absorbent material which is adapted to form a number of circular absorbing surfaces and a number of longitudinally extending evaporating surfaces defining fluid passageways.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a vaporizing unit for use with a carburetor having a throttle valve which directs the discharge of a majority of the fuel mixture along one side of the carburetor discharge port, said unit having a capillary porous element of absorbent material which is adapted to provide a maximum longitudinal surface area along the flow path of the majority of the fuel mixture.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a vaporizing unit for use with a carburetor having an idle valve, said unit having a capillary porous element of absorbent material a portion of which is adapted to be positioned adjacent the idle valve for absorbing liquid fuel discharged directly therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vaporization unit of novel construction which will permit the use of a maximum absorbing and evaporating area in a minimum volume of space.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a vaporizing unit which may be both simply and inexpensively manufactured and readily installed in existing carburetion systems of present automobile engines between the carburetor discharge port and the manifold intake port.

These and other objects of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a vaporizing unit embodying my invention mounted between a carburetor and an intake manifold shown partly in elevation;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the vaporizing unit taken on the line 2-2 in Fig; 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the capillary porous element as shown in section in Figs. land 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the U-shaped bracket shown in section in Fig. 1; 5 Fig. 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing one modification of the housing structure;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the modified housing shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showin a further modification of the housing. adapted for use with the capillary porous element shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of the modified housing shown in Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a capillary porous element showing a further embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 10 is a. perspective view of still another embodiment of the capillary porous element of my invention; and

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of still another form for the capillary porous element.

Referring to Fig. 1, the novel vaporizing unit, as shown, comprises a capillary porous element III] which is positioned in a housing [2, which may be a metal die-cast, plastic mold or the like, and is secured therein by means of a U-,

shaped bracket [3 which is adapted to be secured at its ends between the base of the housing l2 and the flange [4 of the manifold intake port [5 opening into the manifold H. In the embodiment shown, the bracket [3, of sheet metal strip or the like, is positioned in a recess F at the base of the porous element In adapted to receive the bracket l3. The housing I2 is secured between the flange l6 of the carburetor discharge port IT and the flange 14 of the intake manifold port 11, as by means of nuts and bolts I 8. The conventional carburetor 20 includes a main discharge nozzle 2|, an idle set valve 22, .idle discharge ports 23, and a main throttle discharge valve 24 which comprises a circular disc horizontally mounted on the throttle rod 25.

The capillary porous element In is preferably made of asbestos, unglazed ceramic material or some other suitable material having maximum liquid absorption, distribution and evaporation characteristics. The element ID, as shown, comprises a plurality of cylinders C, D, and E of successively varying diameters nested together with their axes parallel, and in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, each cylinder contacts an adjacent cylinder along a longitudinal line of contact G. Thus, the eccentrically mounted cylaavaesa 3 inders serve to define longitudinally extending laterally tapered passageways H for the transfer of the liquid fuel and air mixture dicharged from the carburetor. Spacer means A and B, comprising longitudinal strips of the same or similar porous material, are mounted in the passageways H opposite the areas of contact G in order to partition the passageways longitudinally and to provide means for conducting absorbed liquid fuel between adjacent cylinders; that is, to conduct the liquid fuel longitudinally along the cylinders and radially between the cylinders. The element I!) may be conveniently assembled by clipping or binding together strips of asbestos, unglazed ceramic or other porous material. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the outer cylinder C includes at its top an upwardly extending flange portion J adapted to be positioned directly beneath the idle discharge ports 23. As shownin Fig. 1, the base of the porous element extends downwardly into the manifold intake port l5, thereby increasing the surface area of the element Ill to the greatest possible extent.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, there is shown amodiflcation of the housing wherein the inner surface of the housing i2 is provided with a layer 3| of porous material which may be snugly installed in the housing in any convenient manner, as by a means of a press fit. In the modification shown, the inside diameter of the layer 3| is of the same inside diameter as that of the carburetor discharge port I! and the manifold intake port l5. It will be apparent that the liner 3| of porous material supplements the porous element l and additionally prevents the condensation of liquid fuel on the inside of the housin i2.

l'teferring now to Figs. 7 and 8 there is shown a modified housing which is adapted to contain the porous element shown in Fig. 9. In this modification, the housing comprises two complimentary cup-shaped sections 40 which are cen- I trally united at their flanged rim ends 4|, as by means of screws 42.

Referring now to Fig. 9 there is shown a further embodiment of the porous element which, except for certain hereinafter described modifications, is generally similar to the element l0 shown in Fig. 3. In this modification, the porous element 50 consists of a single piece of porous material which is formed by die-casting, molding or the like. In addition, the porous element 50 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal, radially extending flanges which, in the embodiment shown, are mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder. It will, however, be apparent that the flanges 5i may be mounted internally between the cylinders or within the inner cylinder (not shown). The flanges 5| serve to provide additional absorbing, conducting and evaporating areas in a longitudinal, radial direc-r tion. This modification of the vaporizing unit has been found to be of great advantage for installation in automobiles where space limitations prevent sufllc'ient displacement of the carburetor away from the manifold, thereby limiting the length of the vaporizing unit. Flange 52 serves the same purpose as flange J, Fig. '1.

" state, the cylindrical surface areas defining cylin- "drical passageways for the passage of the liquid fuel and air mixture discharged from the carburetor,

Fig. 11 shows another modification of the absorbent element, wherein a strip 65 of absorbent material, such as asbestos or the like, is wound into a spiral form and then the several layers are tacked, sewed or stapled together along a longitudinal line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filler, indicated at 61, thereby forming eccentric, laterally tapered, longitudinally extending passageways 68, similar to the passageways H of Fig. 1. Suitable longitudinal spacers 10 are provided, and the absorbent element is mounted in a casing 12. The spiral absorbent strip 65 could also be made of ceramic material, which, while plastic, is shaped as shown in Fig. 11, and then baked or hardened into the form shown, cement being used in the zone designated byline 61'. While a spiral absorbent element could be used, the described form is preferred.

The principle of operation of my invention will be better understood by considering the conditions that obtain relative to the fuel mixture discharged from the carburetor and the air pressure variation in the intake manifold. Both the volume of fuel discharged by the carburetor and the intake manifold pressure vary as the speed and power output of the engine vary. A consideration of automobile engine operation will make this clear and also show the operating principle of my device.

Until a speed of 1'! to 18 miles per hour is reached all of the fuel supplied by the carburetor (except during acceleration when the accelerating system delivers an additional amount) is discharged from the idle fuel discharge ports 23 shown in Fig. 1. At this point the main discharge nozzle begins to supply some fuel. As the speed is increased beyond this point more and more fuel is supplied by the maindischarge nozzle 2| and less and less by the idle ports 23, until after a speed of approximately 25 to 30 miles per hour is reached, all fuel is supplied by'the main discharge nozzle 2!.

At cruising speed from about 25 to miles per hour a pressure of from 8 to 13 inches of mercury below atmospheric pressure obtains in the intake manifold II and this greatly aids evaporation of the liquid fuel since the boiling point of the fuel is lowered as the ambient pressure is lowered. In automobile operation, increases in load are ordinarily accompanied by increases in speed; thus, as the pressure in the intake manifold H increases and the boiling point of the liquid fuel is raised, a compensating effect is obtained by the increased speed of the air passing through the evaporator element Ill.

The upwardly extending flange J of the evaporator element Ill, is placed in a position directly beneath the idle discharge ports 23 of the down draft carburetor, as shown in Fig, 1, so that fuel leaving these ports impinges directly on the top area of the flange J. The liquid fuel is then absorbed by the outer cylinder C and is distributed by capillary action throughout the cylinder C and to the cylinders D and E by means of the spacer sections A and B. Inasmuch as the evaporator element [0 is subjected to the reduced pressure and movement of air that obtains in the intake manifold H, the fuel leaves the surfaces of the element In in a very highly vaporized state.

I Since the amount of fuel discharged by the main discharge nozzle 2| is much greater than that discharged by the idle ports 23, it has been discovered that greater efllciency of operation 'may be obtained by arranging the cylinders eccentrically at the point where most of this fuel passes the throttle valve 24. It. has been determined both by observation and experiment that the major portion of the fuel discharged by the main discharge nozzle 2| at part throttle position passes by the lower edge of the throttle valve 24. Accordingly, the eccentrically positioned cylinders, D, C, and E provide the maximum edge surface for the fuel mixture to impinge upon, as shown in Fig. 2. The absorbed liquid fuel is distributed throughout the element ID by means of capillary action, the distribution between cylinders taking place at the spacer sections A and B and at the longitudinal contact areas G, as shown in Fig. 2.

The results of both laboratory tests simulating normal operating conditions and road tests under actual operating conditions reveal that the use of the vaporizing unit of the present invention provides greater gasoline mileage, reduced carbon formation, smoother operation and less wear and tear on the engine. It will be understood that the dimensions of the components of the vaporizing unit will vary in accordance with the size, speed and percentage of rated power at which the engine is operated. It will be further understood that various modifications of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A vaporizing unit for attachment between a carburetor discharge port and an intake manifold port, said carburetor having a throttle valve whereby a majority of the fuel is directed for discharge along one side of the carburetor discharge port, said unit comprising a housing having a flow path for the passage of fuel from said carburetor to said manifold, securing means for mounting the housing between said carburetor and said manifold, a capillary porous element comprising a plurality of cylinders of successively varying diameters eccentrically mounted in said passage with their longitudinal axes parallel to said passage and with their areas of closest proximity positioned adjacent said side of the carburetor discharge port whereby to absorb liquid fuel impinged thereon and to evaporate said fuel in a highly vaporized state.

2. The article set forth in claim 1 wherein the eccentrically mounted cylinders are maintained in spaced relation opposite their areas of closest proximity by longitudinally extending spacer means serving to conduct the absorbed liquid fuel between adjacent cylinders.

3. A vaporizing unit for attachment between a carburetor discharge port and an intake manifold port, said carburetor having a throttle valve whereby a majority of the fuel is directed for discharge along one side of the carburetor discharge port and an idle valve, said unit comprising a housing having a fiow path for the passage of fuel from said carburetor to said manifold, securing means for mounting the housing between said carburetor and said manifold, a capillary porous element comprising a plurality of cylinders of successively varying diameters nested together in said passage with their longitudinal axes parallel to said passage, at least one of said cylinders having an upwardly extending flange portion adapted to be positioned adjacent said idle valve for absorbing fuel discharged directly therefrom, said element serving to absorb liquid fuel impinged thereon and to evaporate said fuel in a highly vaporized state.

4. A vaporizing unit for attachment between a carburetor discharge port and an intake manifold port said unit comprising a housing having a flow path for the passage of fuel from said carburetor to said manifold, securing means for mounting the housing between said carburetor and said manifold, a capillary porous element comprising a plurality of cylinders of successively varying diameters nested together in said passage with their longitudinal axes parallel to said passage, at least one of said cylinders being provided with a plurality of longitudinal radially extending flanges, said element serving to absorb liquid fuel impinged thereon and to evaporate said fuel in a highly vaporized state.

5. An article of manufacture for contacting and homogenizing a mixture of liquid fuel and air, comprising a plurality of cylinders of absorbent material of successively varying diameters nested together with their axes parallel, each cylinder contacting an adjacent cylinder along a longitudinal line of contact, for forming longitudinally extending laterally tapered fluid passageways.

6. An article of manufacture for contacting and homogenizing a mixture of liquid fuel and air, comprising a plurality of cylinders of absorbent material of successively varying diameters nested together with their axes parallel, each cylinder contacting an adjacent cylinder along a longitudinal line of contact, for forming longitudinally extending laterally tapered fluid passageways, and a plurality of a longitudinally, extending spacer strips between adjacent cylinders, serving to partition said fluid passageways longitudinally and to conduct absorbed liquid fuel between adjacent cylinders.

7. A vaporizing .unit for attachment between a carburetor discharge port and an intake manifold port, said carburetor having a throttle valve whereby a majority of the fuel is directed for discharge along one side of the carburetor discharge port and an idle valve, said unit comprising a housing having a flow path for the passage of fuel from said carburetor to said manifold, securing means for mounting the housing between said carburetor and said manifold, a capillary porous element comprising a plurality of cylinders of successively varying diameters eccentrically mounted in said passage with their longitudinal axes parallel to said passage, at least one of said cylinders having an upwardly extending flange portion adapted to be positioned adjacent said idle valve for absorbing fuel discharged directly therefrom, said element serving to absorb liquid fuel impinged thereon and to evaporate said fuel in a highly vaporized state.

8. A vaporizing unit for attachment between a carburetor discharge portand an intake manifold port, said unit comprising a housing having a flow path for the passage of fuel from said carburetor to said manifold, securing means for mounting the housing between said carburetor and said manifold, a capillary porous element comprising a plurality of cylinders of successively varying diameters eccentrically mounted in said passage with their longitudinal axes parallel to said passage and adapted to extend into said manifold, said element serving to absorb liquid fuel impinged thereon and to evaporate said fuel in a highly vaporized state, and a U-shaped bracket adapted to be secured at its 7 ends between said housing and said manifold whereby to support said element at its base.

9. A vaporizing unit for attachment between a carburetor discharge port and an intake manifold port said unit comprising a housing having a flow path for the passage of 'fuel from said carburetor to said manifold, securing means for mounting the housing between said carburetor and said manifold, a capillary porous element comprising a plurality of cylinders of successively varying diameters eccentrically mounted in said passage with their longitudinal axes parallel to said passage at least one of said cylinders being provided with a plurality of longitudinal radially extending flanges, said element serving to absorb 15 8 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,490,920 Godward Apr. 22, 1924 1,857,565 Pahl et a1. May 10, 1932 2,041,435 Schreurs May 19, 1936 2,377,088 Linn May 29, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 102,043 Great Britain May 1, 1917 408,963 Great Britain Apr. 18, 1934 

